WIN - ROBERT BURNS AND ALL THAT Ulster-Scots Agency (Boord o Ulstér-Scotch) official publication SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 PAGE 16 World beating FM Montgomery lead celebrations at Burns Night concert
w Eleven times world champion pipe band Field Marshal Montgomery will join the Ulster Orchestra and Emily Smith at a Burns Night concert in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Saturday January 21 - Page 3
w EDWARD BRUCE COMMEMORATIVE BOULDER w TITANIC CELEBRATION TO MARK 70 YEARS OF w RECALLING THE DAY THE FIRST AMERICA GIS UNVEILED IN DUNDONALD SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING ARRIVED IN ULSTER
PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 14 2 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Fair faa ye Agency in tune with care
Fair Faa Ye homes as Lily Welcome to the January 2017 edition of the marks 100th Ulster-Scot. May I start by wish- ing you a Happy New birthday Year with a traditional Ulster-Scots wish – lang During December the Ulster-Scots Belfast and on this day, one of the community. The project has sought may yer lum reek Agency completed a pilot residents, Lily Higgins was also to engage through culture with wi ither fowks coal! programme providing traditional celebrating her 100th birthday. To elderly residents in the care homes, For those who have Ulster-Scots music to a number of commemorate this special day the as we address a new programme not heard this greeting care homes in County Tyrone, north Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman for Government we as an Agency before it means may you Belfast and County Down. Brian Kingston paid a visit to the need to explore more innovative The Ulster-Scots Agency worked care home to deliver a special ways of working and engaging with live long and happily! in partnership with a number of birthday card from Her Majesty The all sections of the community. The Ulster-Scots Agency Care Homes and local Ulster-Scots Queen. “I would also like to recognise the will be hosting the annual Burns Night concert with the Community Impact Project Officers Ulster-Scots Agency’s Community support provided by our Ulster Orchestra on Saturday January 21 in the Waterfront based in Newtownstewart, Kilkeel Development Officer, Derek Reaney Community Impact Project Officers, Hall, Belfast. Field Marshal Montgomery will be joining and north Belfast. The programme described the project as very James Donaldson in Kilkeel, Irene singer, Emily Smith and a host of other performers for this was aimed at engaging with resi- worthwhile. Spratt in Newtownstewart and fantastic evening celebrating Burns. dents in a number of care home He said: “We have received some Jennifer Crockard in north Belfast Also as part of the Burns celebrations for 2017 the Agency seeking to overcome social exclu- very positive feedback from the who have been very supportive in is hosting Burns Week for the first time. The Burns Week sion and isolation experienced by care homes, the residents, their assisting the Agency to deliver this festival runs from January 21 to 28 in various venues many elderly folk in our community. families and the performers. pilot project. across Belfast. Find out more on Page 3. On December 14 2016 a pro- “It is important to remember that A total of 12 care homes Also in this edition we have a wonderful recipe from Judith gramme of traditional Ulster-Scots culture can play a very positive role participated in the project in Cook- McLaughlin for a Burns Night inspired recipe with Slow music was performed in Bradley in improving mental health and stown, Castlederg, Coalisland, New- Cooked Collops of Beef – you can find this on Page 15. Manor Residential Care Home in quality of life of all ages within our castle, Kilkeel, and North Belfast. As always we welcome your feedback and hope that every- one finds something of interest in this edition. Ian Crozier is Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency Music projects to receive £200,000 boost
THE Ulster-Scots Agency will music and dance projects have be investing £200,000 in the applied under the Stand 2 option, 2017 music and dance tuition which provides a route for The Ulster-Scot programme, which will provide accreditation for participants. The official newspaper for the Ulster-Scots Agency / financial support to 30 dance The Music and Dance classes will Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch projects and 91 music projects. be held throughout the province of Derek Reaney, who manages the Ulster. The Agency plans to profile a music and dance tuition programme number of the classes in the Ulster- within the Agency, said: “This Scot Newspaper during this year. Main office: financial support can make a Derek wished to record his thanks The Ulster-Scots Agency real difference to community and cent, a massive improvement on to the staff at the Ulster-Scots The Corn Exchange voluntary groups including bands previous years. Community Network who made the 31 Gordon Street who are committed to supporting “There will be a number of groups presentation at the various public Belfast BT1 2LG and advancing the Ulster-Scots who will be disappointed that they information workshops and also Telephone: (028) 9023 1113 culture through music and dance.” have failed to secure the funding, provide a drop in facility and advice Fax: (028) 9023 1898 He added: “This year’s programme but the Agency has a limited to groups. Email: [email protected] was very competitive, with budget and we have invested a The Agency also recognises the considerably more applications than similar amount of funding to this support offered by the three Ulster- International callers dialling the Ulster-Scots Agency: funds available, but the programme as in recent years, Scots project officers funded by Europe - 00 44 28 9023 1113 Agency is delighted with the which I think is a great the Agency’s Community Impact Australia - 00 11 44 28 9023 1113 significant improvement in the achievement for us given the programme and located in Kilkeel, USA - 011 44 28 9023 1113 quality of applications submitted. current challenging economic Newtownstewart and North Belfast, “Rejections on issues of eligibility pressures around public spending.” who provided funding clinics and Regional office in Raphoe: have been reduced to just 8.5 per In 2017 an increasing number of advice to groups. The Ulster-Scots Agency William Street, Raphoe Co Donegal Telephone: +353 7 4917 3876 CLICK ON THIS... Email: [email protected] WORD Editor: Gary McDonald For details of what’s on check out our events calendar - Associate Editor: Gillian Pearson www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events OF THE ISSUE Production: The Irish News Printing: Interpress NI Limited For Ulster-Scots news - www.ulsterscotsagency.com/news Shane The Ulster-Scot next edition: Saturday March 11 2017 To sign up for the Ulster-Scots E-Newsletter - Deadline for copy: Wednesday February 22 2017 visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com/newsletter/ Contributors should note that publication of any subscribe/register your details and receive updates Meaning: submitted article is at the Editor’s discretion on the areas that you are most interested. Soon Join us on Facebook - visit www.facebook.com/ UlsterScotsAgency now and like our page to keep up to date on what’s happening, upload your photos from Ulster-Scots events and share your comments. www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 3 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Impressive line-up for Burns Concert BURNS WEEK EVENTS Annual celebrations LEVEN times world champion pipe band Field Marshal Montgomery in Dunfanaghy will be joining the Ulster EOrchestra, singer Emily Smith and a host of other performers at the Ulster-Scots Agency’s Burns Concert being held in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Saturday January 21 (7.45pm start).
Under the control of pipe major Richard Parkes MBE and leading drummer Keith Orr, FM Montgomery have won a total of 65 major championships over the last 25 years. As well as those 11 global crowns, the band’s haul has included 15 Scottish Arnolds Hotel in Dunfanaghy, Co Championships, 12 British Championships, Donegal, will again be hosting their 12 European Championships, 12 these passed-down, anonymously authored Robbie Burns weekend celebrations Cowal Championships and all three UK words is still at the heart of her craft. on January 20-22, where the package Championships held so far. But this is a bold new phase in Emily’s (for €159 per person sharing) includes To that the band can add 22 All-Ireland music and with it comes what she describes two nights’ bed & full Irish breakfast, a titles and 23 Ulster Championships as well as ‘a new Scottish sound’. Shamrock & Thistle ceilidh night and a as literally hundreds of victories at minor Emily was named BBC Radio Scotland’s Robbie Burns celebration dinner. championships the length and breath of Young Traditional Musician of the Year back On Friday January 20 the ceilidh night Ireland. in 2002 and the accolades have continued will include poetry readings, Scotch/ Widely acknowledged as the greatest pipe to flow as she won the USA song-writing Gaelic music and song and ceilidh danc- band in history, bar none, FM have enjoyed an competition in 2005, Scots Singer of the ing. A light supper will also be served. incredible record of dominance over the past Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards in Then on the Saturday a Robbie Burns decade in particular, and at the 2016 Worlds 2008 and she received two nominations in celebration dinner will be held with live in Glasgow they raised that bar even higher. the 2012 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. music during dinner. This will be followed The January concert - the sixth in a row Emily first joined the Ulster Orchestra for by poetry readings, Highland dancing, supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency - will Burns Night with her musician husband Of course, the work of The Bard will feature Scotch/Gaelic music and song. again be recorded by the BBC, and as well as Jamie McClennan in 2015 and the Agency throughout the programme and amongst Reservations for the Robbie Burns the FMM pipers and Ulster Orchestra, singer is delighted to welcome her back in 2017. other special guests will be Christopher Tait, Weekend at Arnolds Hotel can be Emily Smith is returning to join the Burns The Ulster Orchestra, conducted by John Scotland’s finest Robbie Burns re-enactor, to made by contacting the hotel on Night celebrations in what will be a fantastic Logan, will lead performers including Emily bring the verse of the Bard to life. +353(0)749136208, email enquiries@ night of music, dance and song. herself, the Ulster-Scots Agency’s Juvenile The skirl of the pipes, the whirl of jigs arnoldshotel.com or visit Having celebrated a decade as one of Pipe Band, the Markethill Dancers and and reels and romance of Robbie Burns’ www.arnoldshotel.com Scottish music’s most distinctively sublime some special guests in a programme of traditional songs will be the ultimate Burns voices, Emily Smith begins a fresh chapter in music that mixes traditional favourites with Night celebration! Society Burns Supper her illustrious, award-winning career. more up to date work. Tickets are priced from £15 to £30 and Her fifth solo album Echoes sees her return Presenter Zoe Salmon (ex-Blue Peter) will be are available from the Waterfront Hall Box Naggy Burns Ulster-Scots Society is to her first love of traditional song and her host for the evening in what promises to be Office on (028) 9033 4455 or online at hosting a Burns Supper at the No 1 gift for finding a personal connection in an unmissable treat. www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk/events. Club, Narrow Gauge Road, Larne on Saturday January 21 2017 (7.30pm – 1.00am). Entertainment by the Music Wheelers with piping by Alan McNally, the Address BurnsWeek2017 to the Haggis performed by Willie McPhearson and speakers including Gary Blair and Anne Blair. The Ulster-Scots Agency is Tuesday January 24 attendance providing audiences with a Menu will include vegetable broth, launching a new festival to celebrate • 12.30pm – 1.30pm Saintfield Library: A chance to sing some Burns songs and haggis, sausage, neeps and tatties, the January 25 birthday of Robert talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of play some traditional music. Spaces tea/coffee and shortbread. Robert Burns by Laura Spence are limited at this event - please Burns. Tickets are £12.50 each (includes a • 12.30pm – 1.30pm Ballyhackamore email [email protected] or toast) and are available by telephon- Library: A talk on Burns and the Ulster telephone 028 9040 1365 to secure your ing 07592 324 542. Tickets are also Belfast Burns week will take place from Connection space. January 21 to 28, 2017 in various venues available to the dance only (10.30pm) • 6.30pm – 7.30pm Banbridge Library: A • 7pm – 9pm Linen Hall Library: Burns for £3.00. across Belfast and will incorporate a talk on the history and poetry of Robert Night at the Linen Hall Library. This programme of drama, poetry, music, Burns by Matthew Warwick event is free however booking is concerts and lectures. essential – to receive your ticket please Burns Night in East Belfast The Festival has been launched to highlight Wednesday January 25 email [email protected] the many links between Burns, his family The Ulster-Scots Agency is delighted to • 12pm – 12.50pm Discover Ulster-Scots be working with Hosford, a and Ulster from the late 1700s to the Centre (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE Thursday January 26 present day. homeless project of East Belfast FROM EARLIER ADVERTISING): A talk on • 12.30pm – 1.30pm Dundonald Library: A Mission. Together they would like to The Life, Loves and Legacy of Robert talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of invite you to a Burns Night on Friday Saturday January 21 Burns by Laura Spence Robert Burns by Laura Spence • 7.45pm - 11pm - Waterfront Hall, Lanyon January 20 2017 from 7pm - 9pm. • 1pm - 2pm, Black Box, Belfast: Rabbie • 7pm – 9.30pm Discover Ulster-Scots The celebrations will include Place, Belfast: Burns Concert with the Burns Lunch by Cathedral Quarter Arts Centre: Open music session playing Ulster Orchestra Ulster-Scots music by the fantastic Festival the music of Burns and his collections traditional folk band, ‘Stonewall’, a • 1pm - 2pm Linen Hall Library: Andrew amongst other pieces. This event is also dancing performance by Bright Lights Monday January 23 Gibson Memorial Lecture, Utterly open to audience members who do not • 12.30pm – 1.30pm Falls Road Library: A Highland Dancers, highland bagpiping by Compelling: the Gibson Collection and wish to participate in playing music. Light Cameron Beggs and of course superb talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of Robert Burns, with Dr Carol Baraniuk refreshments will be available. Robert Burns by Laura Spence storytelling and ‘yarns’ of Rabbie Burns • 2pm - 4pm - Cregagh Road Library: by Jim McClean. • 7pm - 8pm, The Factory @ The MAC, Language officer for the Ulster-Scots Friday January 27 Belfast: Robert Burns Live – Christopher This should be a very enjoyable evening Agency, Gary Blair will be the speaker • 12.30pm – 1.30pm Glengormley Library: and everyone will be made most Tait performs his one man show for this unique event at Cregagh Road A talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of ‘Robert Burns Live’ at the MAC theatre. welcome. Come along to the Skainos Library and will provide an overview Robert Burns by Laura Spence Centre, 241 Newtownards Rd, Belfast This event is free however booking is of Robert Burns, his works and read • 12.30pm – 1.30pm Discover Ulster-Scots essential – to receive your ticket please on Friday January 20 and join the Burns some poetry. Piper (Andy McGregor) and Centre: A Talk on Burns and the Ulster Night celebrations. Entry is free. email [email protected] Ulster-Scots band KasK will also be in Connection 4 www.ulsterscotsagency.com 13 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Thousands gather to remember the fallen
wo thousand people Festival of Remembrance Bright Lights gathered at the dancers lit up the occasion at the Belfast Waterfront Waterfront Hall in Belfast. TOP: In Flanders Fields THall on Saturday MIDDLE: Sailor’s Hornpipe November 12 to honour fallen BOTTOM: The Somme Remembered heroes at the 2016 Festival of This special article looks at the legacy left by Sir Edward Carson during his time as First Remembrance. This year, the festival welcomed the musical talent of Mark McMullan, who Lord of the Admiralty under Lloyd George during the Great War The crowds took part in an evening of song, became an internet star after more than reflection and remembrance hosted by the 300,000 people watched the moving Royal British Legion, commemorating all video of him performing the classic Les those who sacrificed their lives in defence of Miserables hit ‘Bring Him Home’ to his older freedom through history. brother Declan, who suffers from locked-in The annual tradition, which included a syndrome. moving mixture of concert, spectacle and George added: “It was wonderful to service, paid special tribute to the men and welcome Mark, who added a truly women who fought in 1916, off Denmark’ stunning element to the 2016 Festival of s Jutland peninsula and at the Battle of the Remembrance. The evening can be very Somme. emotional and Mark’s outstanding talent The Ulster-Scots Agency was in attendance brought us all together to experience, as at the event promoting Paul Pollock’s War we journeyed through time, a magical and publication and the Castleton Lanterns reflective experience.” exhibition, both World War One-related In addition to Mark, the audience enjoyed projects which hold a key significance in the musical talent Stellar, the award winning this important commemoration year. Open Arts Community Choir and the heart- George Black, chairman of the RBL in warming dance group, Bright Lights, along Northern Ireland, said: “In the year that with the iconic pipes and drums and band marked the centenaries of the Battle of of The Royal Irish Regiment. Jutland and the Battle of the Somme, this The evening concluded with a moving was a very fitting and beautiful evening of Service of Remembrance with the usual reflection, to remember those who gave so poignant display and a special two-minute much - and on many occasions their lives - silence as thousands of poppy petals fell for their country. from the ceiling in memory of the lives lost “Every year we work incredibly hard to at war. make this event special. The Festival of “Each poppy petal reminded us that each Remembrance is a way of remembering one represented the selflessness and those who fought for their country, as well courage of those who responded to duty in as a time to commemorate and give thanks the most extraordinary of ways,” Mr Black for their service. It offers us a time when added. we, can stop, reflect and remember those “This year’s Northern Ireland Festival of brave men and women who sacrificed so Remembrance was certainly once again, an much for us.” evening to remember.” V.C. heroes recognised in Monaghan exhibition
The Ulster-Scots Agency’s ‘Ulster’s V.C. Heroes of the Great War’ exhibition of paintings was launched in Clones Library in November. The exhibition going on display in County Monaghan for the first time was launched by Minister for the Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD. Also in attendance were Councillor P J O’Hanlon, Cathaoitleach of Monaghan County Council, Eamonn O’Sullivan, chief executive of Monaghan County Council, and Allen McAdam representing the Ulster-Scots Agency. Monaghan County Council are delighted to host this exhibition to recognise the heroic actions of soldiers from Ulster who were awarded the Victoria Cross, two of whom came from County Monaghan - Private Thomas Hughes and Sergeant David Nelson. Following the launch event in Clones, the Ulster’s V. C. Heroes of the Great War exhibition remained on display in the library until the beginning of December when it was relocated to Carrickmacross Civic Centre. The exhibition is currently on display in Ballymoney Library and will remain there until February 28, before going on display in Carrickfergus Museum from March 1 to April 30. www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 5 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 USCN illuminates Ulster-Scots depth
Ulster-Scots is for everyone! It’s the truth – though sometimes it takes someone looking at our culture with a fresh eye to actually see its worth!
The Ulster-Scots Community Network (USCN) courses have had participants with origins ranging from the Irish culture to the Ivory Coast, Australia to New York, and there was plenty to whet their appetites. So when the USCN runs courses, it is always glad to welcome those from outside the local culture, because it makes for much more interesting discussions! Yet many people of Ulster-Scots origin, when they hear Ulster-Scots mentioned, nod their heads and mutter “I like pipe bands, I know a wheen o words, sure what else is there?” If you are one of these people, why not have a look at the Ulster-Scots culture in greater depth yourself – whatever your own culture or your age group, we will have some new information for you! The Ulster-Scots Community Network has developed workshops and courses Carrickfergus, Belfast, Enniskillen, quiz, debate or active investigation. The of charge and is designed to provide (accredited and recreational) as an enjoyable Markethill and Kilkeel. Here is an overview most popular choices have been genealogy participants with an entry to genealogy, way for you to learn about our culture, about of the courses: and language titles. followed by on-going guidance. our origins and heritage. Accreditation is Introducing U-S (Ulster-Scots) - This Level The Impact of Ulster-Scots on Ulster - This It runs over 10 sessions, at once a week or through the Open College Network NI and 1 course is designed to provide a basic - Level 2 course is designed to provide a a month and requires wi-fi access. It may does not involve any exams. USCN can and very interactive - view of Ulster-Scots deeper, more detailed view of Ulster-Scots include guided visits to PRONI, offices of deliver a variety of courses and workshops history and culture. It is suitable for all history and culture. the Church of the Latter Days Saints, etc, free at your chosen venue and time; the ages. The course runs for four sessions of The course runs for five sessions of depending on group funds. only cost to you is accreditation through two hours each (depending on individual two-and-a-half hours each (depending on If you want to learn more about your Ulster- the Open College Network Northern Ireland, group circumstances, these hours may individual group circumstances, these hours Scots culture and heritage, want to share which is currently £26 per person. The be distributed over full day sessions). may be distributed over daytime sessions) it with other cultures, or help your children course may also be delivered as recreational Typical outline of the course reads thus: plus agreed break time. Again, they are understand their origins, or if you just want if preferred, at no cost. Compulsory Sessions 1 and 2 cover “What interactive and discussion is always a good night out, these are the courses that Courses may run daytime or evening. Also it means to be Ulster-Scot”, including quite encouraged – thus always energetic! Topics will be of help. available are one-off talks on the topics a few little-known facts followed by “An include more detailed view of the 17th For further details contact the Ulster-Scots indicated and a cultural identity workshop Overview of the Plantation”, which gives Century Plantation of Ulster, how it impacted Community Network course suitable for single identity or mixed identity a summary of the Plantation throughout on the economics and social developments coordinators Deirdre Speer Whyte (north groups. Ulster, including a locally-relevant portion in Ulster down through the centuries and west) at [email protected] of phone To date the courses and workshops have introducing some family names. the affect of the Ulster-Scots Diaspora 07826849767; or Charles Neville been delivered, and very well received, For Sessions 3 and 4 participants can then worldwide. (south and east) at by numerous groups throughout Ulster choose from a list of other topics with an Explore your Ulster-Scots Ancestry - This [email protected] or phone in locations including Londonderry, inbuilt interactive element, whether it is a Level 2 course is again delivered free 07824510304 Employment plan boosts prospects of Kilkeel youngsters
County Down training project has Roberta Heaney, the Fair Fa’ Ye To The outlined plans to help boost Future project coordinator, said: “This employability and turn around project is about identifying the needs of Ayoung lives in Kilkeel and young people in the area and will equip, surrounding areas. resource and empower them to make positive life choices. It will establish a Launched with £80,550 from the range of practical personal development International Fund for Ireland, the ‘Fair courses, with a focus on cultural identity, Fa’ Ye To The Future’ Media Youth Project media, good relations, health and well- –‘Welcome to the Future’ in Ulster-Scots being, community development, life skills, – is led by the Schomberg Society in confidence building and teamwork. We Kilkeel and will support young people aged will also provide focused training around 16-25 to explore cultural identity, personal contentious and non-contentious issues development, good relations, skills and that affect the daily lives of young people. employment opportunities. “We want to encourage and challenge The 12-month cross-community project will people to raise expectations for engage 20 young people in a range of themselves and their role within the training related to culture, media, tourism community.” and arts with the aim of improving The Schomberg Society has been employment prospects, connecting them supported previously by the International with the wider community and supporting Fund for Ireland and in October 2014 better decision making. “It will open new pathways to learning, of disaffection among young people in it implemented a successful 18-month International Fund for Ireland chairman Dr training and employment and will help turn many areas across Northern Ireland and project that enabled more than 200 young Adrian Johnston, welcoming the project, young lives around. The project is about that increases the risk of being drawn into people to explore their cultural identity and said: “Fair Fa’ Ye To The Future offers helping people to reassess their prospects issues like drugs, anti-social behaviour and improve their personal development and positive engagement that can make a real and take active steps to improve their lives division. Projects like this are critical and employability skills. difference and provide positive alternatives and their community. build momentum for change, stability and That laid the foundations for the current for those involved. “The reality is that there are growing issues prosperity.” Fair Fa’ Ye To The Future project. 6 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Edward Bruce 700 Heritage Trail unveiled C.S. Lewis film
The Ulster-Scots Agency and Lisburn & launch a success Castlereagh City Council has officially The Ulster-Scots Agency and Heritage unveiled the ‘Edward Bruce 700 Heritage Experience launched a series of Trail’, developed to commemorate Ulster- C.S. Lewis short films as part of last Scottish history. November’s C.S. Lewis Festival. The Edward Bruce commemorative boulder, The films were shown at the Strand Arts The Ulster-Scots Agency has assigned which is made of Mourne granite, was Centre in east Belfast, not far from the the publication of a special booklet to unveiled at Moat Park by Councillor Tim Lewis home at Little Lea. mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Morrow, chairman of the Council’s leisure Leading Lewis expert Sandy Smith hosted Andrew Jackson, the seventh United States & community development committee, and the event, providing attendees with a President. Ulster-Scots Agency development officer background for each of the individual films. Jackson, whose parents Andrew and Catriona Holmes. Sandy is a director at Heritage Experience, Elizabeth Jackson emigrated to America Cllr Tim Morrow said: “The Council is delighted which is a social enterprise specialising from Carrickfergus in 1765, was born in the to be part of this Heritage Trail that identifies in facilitating other companies involved in Presbyterian Scots-Irish Waxhaw community links between the historical locations of cultural tourism by sourcing and marketing of the Carolinas 18 months later on March battles, sieges and coronations across related products such as gift-ware, 15 1767. Scotland, Ulster and Ireland of which Moat literature, DVDs and CDs. This rugged, self-assured and straight-talking Park is one. Heritage Experience is a joint venture individual became one of the most iconic “The brief inscription on this commemorative between Larne’s economic development of the 45 United States Presidents and boulder details the significance of this location agency Ledcom and two cultural his legacy over two terms (1829-33 and in Dundonald. A church, fort and moat were w Councillor Tim Morrow and Ulster-Scots Agency organisations - the Ulster Historical 1833-37) was far-reaching as the embryonic constructed in the 12th century by the Anglo- development officer Catriona Holmes at the unveiling Foundation, which helps visitors trace American nation stretched out from “Sea to Normans. During an invasion by Edward Bruce their Irish ancestry; and the Ulster-Scots Shining Sea” - from the Atlantic to the Pacific of Scotland from 1315-1318 the church and locations of significant historical Greencastle, Co Down; Rathlin; Faughart, Co Community Network, which works to shorelines. fort were destroyed. The Moat remained after importance, regularly visited by residents and Louth and Northburgh Castle, Greencastle, promote and preserve Ulster-Scots heritage. The appropriately illustrated full colour the battle and today can be accessed through visitors alike such as Moat Park. Co Donegal. The C.S. Lewis films were created to Jackson brochure is being written and routes in Moat Park and along the Enler River. “It is hoped that tourists from Scotland and To commemorate the crowning of Edward highlight the links between Lewis and the compiled on behalf of the Ulster-Scots “Through the joint working of local further afield will follow the Edward Bruce Bruce as King of Ireland in 1315, the island of Ireland, Lewis and Belfast and Agency by Northern Ireland journalist and community groups and the Ulster-Scots Heritage Trail to the Lisburn Castlereagh area Ulster-Scots Agency has developed a booklet Lewis and the Great War. author Billy Kennedy and will be publicly Agency there are a number of strong links as part of their trip, during which they may telling the story of Edward Bruce’s campaign Macmillan Media produced the short films available in the lead-up to the celebrations in and projects in place between Northern also be tracing their ancestry,” Cllr Morrow in Ireland and a heritage trial map outlining a with the aid of Sandy’s in-depth knowledge Ireland and Scotland. It is very important that added. number of the significant sites associated with of C.S. Lewis. all generations gain knowledge of the local The other sites of the Edward Bruce 700 Edward Bruce and his time in Ireland. You can view the videos online at heritage and what better way than through Heritage Trail are located at Carrickfergus; Copies are available from the Discover Ulster- vimeo.com/authenticulster the placement of commemorative boulders in Mounthill; Olderfleet; Connor and Kells; Scots Centre in Belfast. Discover Ulster-Scots Centre 13 miles of water, centuries of connections
VISIT THE DISCOVER ULSTER-SCOTS CENTRE et a whole different story at the words many people use every day Discover Ulster-Scots Centre in • Large journey planner map highlighting other VICTORIA STREET, CATHEDRAL QUARTER, BELFAST Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. A Ulster-Scots places to visit Gspacious exhibition gallery, open MONDAY– FRIDAY, 10AM–4PM • Audio-visual terminals to watch films and Monday to Friday from 10 am until 4 pm and conduct research www.DiscoverUlsterScots.com Tel: 028 9043 6710 entry is free of charge. • Display cases featuring rare artefacts and Ulster and Scotland are just 13 miles apart publications and at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre you can • Free Ulster-Scots literature FREE discover thousands of years of history, from the • Gift shop offering books, CDs and tartanwares ADMISSION formation of the Giant’s Causeway (which links The Centre is located within the historic Belfast County Antrim with the Western Isles of Scotland) Corn Exchange building which dates from right up to the present day. 1852. In 1859 the Corn Exchange hosted a The Discover Ulster-Scots Centre features: major Robert Burns centenary event which was • Exhibition panels covering ten major stories, attended by Burns’ descendants who lived in the starting with the arrival of Edward Bruce in city. 1315 • Timeline room showing how events in Ulster For further information visit link with Scotland and the rest of the world www.discoverulsterscots.com or telephone EXHIBITION • LITERATURE • GIFTS • Language and literature area providing (028) 9043 6710 to speak to a member of staff examples of Ulster-Scots publishing, as well as at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre. www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 7 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017
Elizabeth Cameron, Helen Russell and Aileen Patterson at the St Andrew’s Ball Invited guests John and Ruby Wilkinson with Aileen Patterson, Chairman
Anniversary cake being cut by Moira Fletcher, David Oswald (accordion), Max Ketchin who has danced in the Branch since it first Elizabeth Cameron MBE Hon. President Belfast Branch; Helen Russell, Chairman RSCDS; The Rt. (Drums), Diane McCullough (fiddle), Isobelle started in 1946 and the Branch’s Hon Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston; Aileen Patterson, Chairman, RSCDS Belfast Branch Hodgson (keyboard) and Marian Anderson and Joan Madill Hon. Secretary, RSCDS Belfast Branch (lead accordion) RSCDSPresident, Elizabeth Cameron MBE marks special milestone
year-long series of traditional Scottish Dancers Grand March lasting legacy to Scottish dance. evening. The dances chosen for the evening events to mark 70 was led to the tunes of the pipes, down the The branch was thrilled to have so much were: grand staircase of the Titanic by Aileen local talent to offer to the selection panel. Platinum Skies: Reel devised by Ruth Clarke, years of Scottish Patterson, chairman of the branch and The new dances and music showcase one of the Branch’s youngest most recently country dancing Belfast Lord Mayor Alderman Brian local talent in both devising dances and trained teachers who teaches in an affiliated A Kingston. composing Scottish country dance music, group in Co Tyrone. Ruth took up SCD at St in the Belfast area They were followed by distinguished guests providing the dances with original tunes so Andrews University and for this Belfast Branch culminated with a weekend Mrs Helen Russell, chairman of the RSCDS beautifully arranged and played by Marian is so thankful that she joined Belfast Branch of celebrations in December and her husband Ian; John Wilkinson, Anderson who with her band has recorded on her return to NI. Music for the lead tune marked by a ball in the Queen’s past RSCDS chairman and his wife Ruby; the accompanying CD. was composed by a young musician friend of Hall in Newtownards and a gala and Ian Crozier, chief executive of the The launch of this new book and CD Ruth’s, James Tween. Ulster-Scots Agency, who was has been eagerly awaited by many Set in Roosendaal: Medley devised by Lucy evening in Titanic Belfast the accompanied by his wife Elaine. Scottish dancers, following on Mulholland to mark the visit by a group following night. Indeed it was quite a from the world wide acclaim of eight dancers from Belfast who visited Throughout the year activities run by the memorable occasion to view and recognition by the Roosendaal when she taught their Day school Belfast branch of the Royal Scottish Country more than 200 dancers RSCDS of the Dance ‘City in 2015. Original music for the dance was Dance Society (RSCDS) included a weekend assembled and progressing of Belfast’, first published composed by Nicky McMichan, another good school, dance teacher training and several to their tables via the grand in the Branch’s 60th friend to Belfast Branch. public events to encourage people to join in staircase in Titanic Belfast. Anniversary Book and CD, The Orchards of County Armagh: Strathspey and appreciate the health and social benefits The Lord Mayor welcomed then selected by the Society devised by Jinty Anderson, a branch member, of Scottish country dancing. guests from across the globe for its prestigious publication who teaches Scottish country dancing in Dancers attended the ball and gala from to the city and the chairman of of dances, selected from Portadown. The lead tune is Sailing South by as far apart as the USA, Australia, the the branch was presented with around the world. Judi Nicolson. Netherlands, all parts of the UK from the an anniversary certificate from the ‘City of Belfast’ dance was devised The Lonely Honeybee: Reel devised by Highlands and Islands of Scotland to the RSCDS by society chair Helen Russell, by Lucy Mulholland of Belfast and Dorothy Bell who is a prolific deviser of south of England as well as members and who said how much pleasure it gave her to its beautiful music composed by Marian dances having published very many over a friends from dance groups across Ireland be present at both events. Anderson is extremely popular amongst lifetime in SCD. Her dance was danced by to enjoy the fun, fitness and friendship that During the latter part of the meal guests Scottish dancers and musicians and is to some members of Lisburn class. Scottish dancing brings. were entertained by a video, highlighting be seen regularly on dance programmes Humours of California: Strathspey devised by A special message of congratulations to some reminiscences of members and and YouTube being enjoyed in all corners guest master of ceremonies for the evening, the Belfast branch on reaching its 70th depicting memorable moments and people of the world. The devisers were also John Wilkinson from Edinburgh and Duns anniversary came from Her Majesty The in the branch’s history, including some presented with copies of the book and CD, & District Branch. John wrote the dance for Queen, patron of the Society, and was read amusing anecdotes and items from ceilidhs as was David Oswald, another well-known Marian on the occasion of her wedding to to guests by Mrs Elizabeth Cameron, MBE, by branch members at RSCDS summer Scottish band leader who specially wrote Max Ketchin, and was first performed at their president of RSCDS Belfast branch. schools at St Andrew’s University. music for one of the dances to mark the wedding by a team including Lucy Mulholland. The anniversary St Andrew’s Ball on Friday Following dinner the Lord Mayor was occasion and has played many times for There was then an opportunity for dancers December 2 in the recently refurbished presented with the first copy of the special events in the branch and came with to enjoy dancing to the live music in the Queens Hall was described by one of the Platinum Anniversary Book of Dances his wife to join in the celebrations. magnificent surroundings of the Titanic Dublin dancers as “absolutely superb - specially devised and published by the During the evening guests were entertained suite and the atmosphere was palpable as it and the new dance from the Belfast 70th branch, together with a CD of the music to by a local soloist John McQuiston, who concluded with a wonderful round the entire Anniversary book, ‘Young at Heart’ by Lyn accompany them, arranged and recorded delighted the visitors with songs from room ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Rankin, flows beautifully. Dancing it to by Marian Anderson and her world-wide several musicals and a special request The Belfast branch is indebted to all those Marian Anderson’s music was a wonderful renowned Scottish country dance band, rendition of ‘Caledonia’. Several dances who have supported it over the 70 years experience.” present on both nights to play for the from the new book were danced for the and especially through this special year On Saturday December 3 the evening dancing. guests by local groups of dancers and wish to acknowledge the financial support of celebration commenced with guests This book of 14 dances was selected by accompanied by Marian Anderson and her which the Ulster-Scots Agency has made being piped in to Titanic Belfast. Following an independent panel from a much larger band which was specially augmented by a available towards the cost of the year-long a reception in the Britannic lounge, the number submitted and will contribute a local fiddle player Diane McCullough for the anniversary programme. 8 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Official opening of Ulster Historical Foundation’s new offices
he Foundation’s new offices friends from Phoenix AZ. Mr McClelland on the first floor of the Corn was in Ireland to receive the Presidential Exchange building were officially Distinguished Service Award for the Irish opened on Wednesday December Abroad from Irish President, Michael D. T7 2016 at an event to mark the Higgins, the following day in Dublin. occasion and to acknowledge A focus of the opening event was to mark the the contributors and donors who helped to contribution of a number of individuals who support the relocation. between them have given more than 160 The programme started that morning with a years’ service to Ulster Historical Foundation, lecture by Prof. James Stevens Curl, highly including, Prof. Richard Clarke, Catherine respected architectural historian and author, Blumsom, Annette McKee and Dr Brian on the subject of The Transformation of the Trainor. The official opening was performed Landscape Garden to the Garden Cemetery: a by Dr Trainor, former Chief Executive of the Masonic Legacy. Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, The lecture was delivered to a packed director of Ulster Historical Foundation, and house in the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre emeritus Research Director of the Foundation. on the ground floor of the Corn Exchange, It was a wonderful day, with a hugely positive demonstrating the utility of the building and atmosphere and the perfect opportunity for its public spaces, and the opportunities for the Foundation to thank its many supporters collaboration between the tenants. at home and overseas. “The lecture was delivered to After the lecture lunch and drinks were served as the guests made their way to the first floor A Musical Miscellany: celebrating the first a packed house in the for the official opening ceremony. There was 60 years of Ulster Historical Foundation, Discover Ulster-Scots Centre a strong turn out from supporters and guests with music and words from the nine of the Foundation, including: the Deputy Lord counties of Ulster on the ground floor of the Corn Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Mary Ellen Campbell, US Consul General Daniel Lawton, Tom Scott, Ulster Historical Foundation celebrates its Exchange, demonstrating the Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency, actor sixtieth anniversary this year and to mark utility of the building and its and playwright, Dan Gordon, and Martina this achievement a special musical evening Campbell, Languages Branch, Department for will be held on Saturday evening, February public spaces, and the Communities to name a few. 4 2017, in Rosemary Street Presbyterian opportunities for collaboration The Foundation was also joined by a number Church. Featuring music, songs and words of special guests including Wilson Nicholl representing the nine counties of Ulster this between the tenants.” from England and Norman McClelland and programme will be quite special. Belfast, ‘a very Scottish town’ - new books from the Ulster Historical Foundation In the second half of 2016 the Foundation was busy publishing new books and reprinting a number of classic titles, all with the history of Belfast as their theme. The new titles are literally an embarrassment of riches for those interested in the history of this fascinating place. And the energy, diversity and range of the city and its people are brought to life through the pages of these books. its establishment in 1816 played a highly some rarely seen engravings, paintings and significant role in the spiritual and cultural early photographs. It is sure to be much development of Belfast, from market town appreciated by a wide readership, including to industrial giant to capital city. This book not just parishioners but also those interested narrates the great challenges it has faced - in church and architectural history and by the and survived - over two centuries, including many who are intrigued by the story of Belfast. the very serious threats of physical destruction A History of St George’s was launched on during the 1941 Belfast Blitz and, more December 8 2016 in the church, where the recently, the 30 years of devastation brought large crowd gathered to celebrate the launch on the city during the ‘Troubles’. of the book itself, and the conclusion of The present day church’s services are, as in the parish’s 200th anniversary celebrations the past, widely respected for their dignity of which took place during the course of 2016. worship and fine music. Indeed, the musical The event finished with some fine music tradition long associated with the church provided by the Church’s exceptional choir. may be traced back to the appointment as The book is available from bookshops, the its organist in 1817 of Edward Bunting, the parish or directly from the Foundation: original collector of Irish airs and music and www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all- whose own music, observed Martha McTier, departments/history-st-georges-church- sister of Dr William Drennan, founder of the belfast-two-centuries-faith-worship-music United Irishmen, “might make Pitt melt for the poor Irish”. Window to an Age – A Chronicle of Art in In telling the church’s absorbing history, the Belfast 1760-1888 author has been able to avail of a major Window to an Age was launched, This impressive piece, by Dr Eileen Black, A History of St George’s Church Belfast: parochial archive covering most of the last appropriately, in the Heritage, Belfast, former fine art curator in the Ulster Two Centuries of Faith, Worship and Music two hundred years. The range of illustrations Ulster and Irish Library of Central Library Museum, is a companion to the author’s Situated in a location where Christians in this beautifully designed volume includes and equally fitting, the book was launched book of 2006 - Art in Belfast 1760-1888: Art are known to have worshipped for many fine modern photographs of the church by Kim Mawhinney, Head of Art, National Lovers or Philistines? - which told the story centuries, St George’s Church has since building - interior and exterior - as well as Museums Northern Ireland. of art in Belfast from its early beginnings to www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 9 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Official opening of Ulster Historical Foundation’s new offices
he Foundation’s new offices on the first floor of the Corn Exchange building were officially opened on Wednesday December T7 2016 at an event to mark the occasion and to acknowledge the contributors and donors who helped to support the relocation. The programme started that morning with a lecture by Prof. James Stevens Curl, highly respected architectural historian and author, on the subject of The Transformation of the Landscape Garden to the Garden Cemetery: a Masonic Legacy. The lecture was delivered to a packed house in the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre on the ground floor of the Corn Exchange, demonstrating the utility of the building and its public spaces, and the opportunities for collaboration between the tenants. After the lecture lunch and drinks were served as the guests made their way to the first floor for the official opening ceremony. There was a strong turn out from supporters and guests of the Foundation, including: the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Mary Ellen Campbell, US Consul General Daniel Lawton, Tom Scott, Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency, actor and playwright, Dan Gordon, and Martina Campbell, Languages Branch, Department for Communities to name a few. The Foundation was also joined by a number of special guests including Wilson Nicholl from England and Norman McClelland and
the opening in 1888 of the town’s first rate- and nineteenth centuries. It retraces not supported art space, a suite of galleries on only the development of the early streets the top floor of the Free Public Library (now and their names, but also the lives of those Central Library) in Royal Avenue. who walked and lived in them. In doing This new publication gives an account of so it recreates something of the thriving artists’ comings and goings in Belfast between commercial settlement and port that came 1760 and 1888 and details the contents increasingly to dominate the life of the of the various exhibitions held by exhibiting region it served – Ulster. societies and art dealers, information which Using a unique series of maps, together with has been largely forgotten or lost through time. archaeological and documentary evidence The book also reveals lesser-known features that has been expertly pieced together, of the local art world, such as the many the book revolutionises our understanding panoramas which came to town, providing of this, the most Ulster of towns, before entertainment and education for the masses; the coming of industrialisation. Just as also, the art to be seen at the conversaziones importantly, it reminds us that Belfast has of societies like the Belfast Natural History and always had, in the poet Derek Mahon’s Philosophical Society and the various kinds lyrical phrase, a “hill at the top of every of artistic training offered to gentlewomen by street”. now-forgotten lady artists. For the first time in over two years Early Overall, Window to an Age gives a bird’s-eye Belfast is available at: view of the art world of the town during the www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all- period covered and provides a unique insight departments/early-belfast-the-origins-and- into aspects of Belfast’s cultural life in “Early Belfast charts growth-of-an-ulster-town-to-1750 former times. The book is available from bookshops or the town’s remarkable An Unlikely Success Story: The Belfast directly from the Foundation: growth from site to city, Shipbuilding Industry www.booksireland.org.uk/store/all- For readers who are interested in the Shipbuilding was a most unlikely success departments/window-to-an-age from the first mentions industrial history of the city, An Unlikely story in Belfast and its prosperity Success Story: The Belfast Shipbuilding was created by a strange mixture of Early Belfast: The Origins and Growth of an of it as long ago as the Industry 1880-1935 provides a story of the entrepreneurial ability, timing, technical Ulster Town to 1750 7th century.” yards, the ships and the people the industry expertise and employment patterns. It was For most people, nineteenth-century Belfast embraced. the last of the ‘main’ industries to develop is the very essence of an industrial city, By the start of the twentieth century Belfast in Belfast but in terms of wealth-creation boasting as it did by 1900 the world’s were laid. had become one of the main centres of the and prestige, it was perhaps the greatest of largest spinning mill, the most productive Early Belfast charts the town’s remarkable British shipbuilding industry and, in some the city’s employers. shipyard, the biggest ropeworks and tobacco growth from site to city, from the first years before the First World War, the city’s The book can be obtained from the factory. Early Belfast: The Origins and Growth mentions of it as long ago as the 7th yards were producing up to 10 per cent of Foundation’s website: of an Ulster Town to 1750 looks beyond that century through to the thirteenth century British merchant shipping output. But how www.booksireland.org.uk/store/books/ world to reveal an earlier Belfast where the Anglo-Norman settlement and Gaelic revival, did the town develop into one of the world’s unlikely-success-story-belfast-shipbuilding- foundations for its later industrial prowess to the Plantation town of the eighteenth great shipbuilding centres? industry-1880-1935 10 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Landmark new book What’s on with the Ulster on Transformational Historical Foundation IRISH AND SCOTS-IRISH GENEALOGY Saturday March 18, Philadelphia PA ESSENTIALS: A FAMILY HISTORY COURSE, Sunday March 19 Pittsburgh PA FEBRUARY 06-10 2017 Unusually, the tour will feature back to back Ulster Architects Researching your Irish and Scots Irish days in Fountaindale, IL (on the outskirts ancestors can be both exhilarating and of Chicago) and there is a possibility of frustrating. This taught course is highly a second day being added to the stop in n Thursday November recommended for those who are relatively Phoenix AZ at the start of the tour. 17 a fascinating and new to Irish family history and wish to get Full details, including how to register for colourful new book on a to grips with research techniques, archives these programmes, will be available soon and genealogical sources in Ireland. It is from the Foundation’s website, prolific Ulster architectural also the ideal opportunity for those with www.ancestryireland.com Opractice and family more experience in genealogy to learn dynasty was launched by the Ulster about lesser-known sources, many of which TRACING YOUR IRISH AND SCOTS-IRISH Architectural Heritage Society in one are not yet online. ANCESTORS of the keynote Belfast buildings which The course will be delivered by the Ulster JUNE 14-21 AND SEPTEMBER 06-13 2017 the firm designed and worked from Historical Foundation’s experienced Ulster Historical Foundation will host two staff and will include a week of intensive family conferences in June and September for much of the twentieth century. learning, with practical demonstrations 2017. Running from June 14 - 21 2017 using relevant websites and other electronic and September 06 - 13 2017, these Architects of Ulster: Young & Mackenzie – A resources, and a day and a half of guided conferences offer a new programme which Transformational Provincial Practice, 1850 - research in the Public Record Office of combines a varied and exciting mix of 1960 by Belfast- based architectural historian Northern Ireland. Participants will have full research opportunities in the archives Dr Paul Harron was launched at the terrace access to the Foundation’s research and (including the National Library and of the stately Scottish Provident Buildings ARCHITECTCHITECTS OF ULSTER:ULSTER: newspaper library, electronic resources, and National Archives in Dublin), talks from in Donegall Square West, Belfast, by BBC YOUNUNGG & MACKENZENZIEIE of course the expertise of our staff. acknowledged experts and a choice of broadcaster William Crawley. A TRANSFORMATIONAL PROVINCIAL PRACTICECTICE Running from February 06-10 the Genealogy tours. Architects of Ulster: Young & Mackenzie 18501850–1960–1960 Essentials Course will cover topics such New features for Tracing your Irish documents the work of this vibrant Belfast- Paul Harron as land divisions; nineteenth and early Ancestors June 2017 based architectural and civil engineering twentieth century census returns; church Irish genealogy essentials course – 2.5 practice which was established in the records; civil records; Griffith’s valuation; days intensive training prior to the start early 1850s and survived for three family tithe applotment books; wills and of our conference; tour of both Knowth generations, quickly becoming pivotal to the testamentary papers; and much more. and Newgrange passage tombs at Bru na transformation of Ulster’s built environment. More details of this course, including Boinne; tour of south Antrim including a The people at the heart of this prolific firm how to book can be found at: https:// trip to Carrickfergus Castle; Ireland’s only were not only of Ulster-Scots ancestry but also www.ancestryireland.com/irish-genealogy- accessible rope-bridge at Carrick-a-rede; frequently found themselves drawing on rich essentials/ Hill of the O’Neills – the ancient capital of seams of Ulster-Scots cultural and aesthetic Ulster! influences. This ‘powerhouse’ of provincial ULSTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION USA For more information and guidance on how architecture designed large-scale keynote LECTURE TOUR, MARCH 04–19 2017 to register for the June event please see Ulster Archchiitteeccturtural Heritage Society Belfast structures such as the Presbyterian The Foundation’s annual family history https://www.ancestryireland.com/family- Assembly Buildings (or ‘Church House’), lecture tour in the USA will take place from history-conference/summer/ the Ocean Buildings and Scottish Provident Councillor) and his historian son, Robert March 04 - 19 2017. New features for Tracing your Irish Buildings, as well as Robinson & Cleaver’s Magill Young. Buildings as well as people The tour is another packed itinerary which Ancestors September 2017 and Anderson & McAuley’s department stores have fascinating stories to tell and I hope will see Foundation staff, Fintan Mullan and Irish genealogy essentials course – 2.5 along with scores of other buildings which that this new book on Young & Mackenzie’s Gillian Hunt, again travel coast to coast to days intensive training prior to the start of make up much of Ulster’s architectural fabric. work will help make these building and the share their knowledge and expertise on how our conference; tour of Newgrange passage This attractively designed 400-page volume past come alive. It will interest all kinds to trace Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors. tombs at Bru na Boinne; tour of Co. Down features over 600 colour images including of readers, from those who are intrigued Dates on the tour for 2017 include: including a trip to Down Cathedral, said many archival images reproduced for the by buildings as well as those interested in Saturday March 4, Phoenix AZ to be the burial place of St Patrick; tour first time, and is the latest publication by the history of this place especially from the Sunday March 5, Tacoma (TBC) of Armagh, the Ecclesiastical Capital of the UAHS which is known for its high-quality Victorian period through to the twentieth Tuesday March 7, Nashville TN Ireland; Ireland’s only accessible rope-bridge publications on the built environment. century and indeed visitors to our towns Thursday March 9, Michigan City, IN at Carrick-a-rede. The author, Paul Harron, says, ‘This and cities, especially Belfast.’ The volume Saturday March 11, Bentonville AR For more information and guidance on how monograph presents a story about business covers commercial, institutional, domestic Sunday March 12, York PA to register for the September event please connections, patronage, survival and and ecclesiastical buildings and includes Monday March 13, Green Bay WI see https://www.ancestryireland.com/ exceptional longevity, and a chronicle of a comprehensive gazetteer of the firm’s Wednesday March 15, Fountaindale IL family-history-conference/autumn/ the radical physical development of Ulster. output. Thursday March 16, Fountaindale IL If you have any queries, please email: It also provides an insight into the life of The publication is priced at £28 and is Friday March 17, Richmond VA [email protected] a firm of architects and notable historical available from selected bookshops and via Belfast figures, including Robert Young, the UAHS online at www.uahs.org.uk (ISBN the founder (who became an Irish Privy 978-0-900457-80-7) www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 11 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Edward Bruce 700 Heritage Trail unveiled 250th anniversary of the birth of seventh US President marked with special booklet
The Ulster-Scots Agency has assigned March marking Andrew Jackson’s birth. Democracy’ was “government for the the publication of a special booklet to Billy Kennedy has written 11 books on 18th people, by the people”. mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of century emigration to America from Ulster The detailed brochure will also trace the Andrew Jackson, the seventh United States and he has also compiled various brochures Jackson family roots in both the west of President. for the Ulster-Scots Agency on this theme. Scotland and in Ulster; his time growing up Jackson, whose parents Andrew and Andrew Jackson, who earned the name in the Carolinas during the 1770s/1780s Elizabeth Jackson emigrated to America of ‘Old Hickory’ for his sterling leadership period of the American Revolution, and his from Carrickfergus in 1765, was born in the qualities in battle as Commander of the spell as US President. Presbyterian Scots-Irish Waxhaw community United States Army in the early part of the The role of Andrew Jackson - soldier, of the Carolinas 18 months later on March 19th century, achieved a much acclaimed politician and statesmen - will be closely 15 1767. military triumph over British forces as examined, as well as the fond relationship This rugged, self-assured and straight-talking American general at the Battle of New he had with his wife Rachel, whose death individual became one of the most iconic Orleans in January 1815. came poignantly just days before he was of the 45 United States Presidents and Earlier, Jackson had been a young lawyer to assume his first term as President in his legacy over two terms (1829-33 and both in North Carolina and Tennessee and Washington. 1833-37) was far-reaching as the embryonic he became involved in politics as a State The powerful and enduring Andrew Jackson American nation stretched out from “Sea to and Federal level, serving in the US House story is one of remarkable achievement Shining Sea” - from the Atlantic to the Pacific of Representatives. and a unique display of courage and bold shorelines. As a politician, Jackson created ‘Jacksonian initiative in a country that has since become The appropriately illustrated full colour Democracy’, a political and social the greatest and most powerful nation on Jackson brochure is being written and philosophy that was to play a key role in the earth. compiled on behalf of the Ulster-Scots shaping of government and decision-making Agency by Northern Ireland journalist and over the most of two centuries in the United Copies of the booklet will be available author Billy Kennedy and will be publicly States. from the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre from available in the lead-up to the celebrations in The egalitarian aim of ‘Jacksonian March.
Ulster-Scots Cultural Heritage of Carrickfergus Flute Band contest set for Lisburn celebrated at St Andrew’s Day event
t Andrew’s Day was celebrated at Carrickfergus Castle on SSaturday December 3 2016 with a day of Ulster-Scots festivities, food and family fun at Carrickfergus Castle. w Pictured celebrating Ballygowan’s victory last The one-day event included year are band members Harry Douglas and a full programme of family Rebecca Thompson orientated activities including Ulster-Scots The Flute Band Association of Northern re-enactments, a Ireland will host its annual own choice performance on the walls of competition in Lisburn’s Island Centre on the Castle by the Saturday February 25. Ulster-Scots Agency Juvenile Part-music flute bands (with Pipe Band, traditional music instrumentation ranging from piccolo down and dance, traditional to sub-contra bass flutes) and melody flute Ulster-Scots food, a falconry bands (with traditional wooden B-flat flutes) display, sword fighting, will be playing a range of military marches, archery, face-painting, selections from musicals and classical sword and crown making pieces to best showcase their abilities and workshops and storytelling. talents. With entry to the Castle The music will start from 11.30am, with provided for free by the bands across various grades performing Department for Communities their chosen pieces of music right up until and a fantastic programme early evening. of Ulster-Scots family Admission is payable at the door on the orientated activities provided day, so come along and enjoy some of the for visitors to enjoy, over finest amateur music Northern Ireland has 700 people took the to offer. opportunity to learn more Last year’s winners of the Championship about the cultural heritage section were Ballygowan Concert Flute of Carrickfergus and to Band, who have availed of the Ulster-Scots commemorate St Andrew’s Agency’s Music & Dance tuition grant for Day. the last number of years. 12 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 William Francis Curtis: A Cavan story
William Curtis was killed in action on July 1 Francis Curtis and that she wished to 1916, serving with the 9th Battalion of the w Memorial to present it to Arvagh (Arva often appears the missing at Royal Irish Rifles. He was 22 at the time of with an additional -gh) Church of Ireland, the Thiepval his death and was the son of James F. H. church to which he belonged. A couple of Curtis of Main Street, Arva, County Cavan. weeks later, out of the blue she received an According to the 1911 Census, William email granting her request. Curtis was a 16-year-old postboy. Myra asked woodworker Bruce Switzer, from Kesh, County Fermanagh, to design a According to the same source James F. H. display for the poppy. Bruce explained that Curtis was the church sexton and was 55 in his design was inspired by Thiepval Wood: 1911. He had been married to Kate (aged ‘You have the tree and the ivy growing around 56 in 1911) for 31 years. The marriage had the tree will eventually kill it and the most produced nine children born alive, of whom poignant part then was the poppy inserted eight were still living. Of those still living in the into the tree, (signifying) the death of Francis parental home, Kate (aged 19 in 1911) was a Curtis.’ The Church of Ireland Rector of dressmaker. No employment is given for Mary Arvagh, the Revd Hazel Hicks, said that she Anne (aged 17 in 1911) and Lilly (aged 13 in was delighted that the poppy was to be given 1911) is described as a scholar (i.e. she was to the church. She said that it was important still at school). The entire family was Church of that the sacrifice of the men from the parish Ireland and they all had been born in County was not forgotten. In County Cavan, some Cavan. 10,000 men served in the Great War, of As William has no known grave, he is whom about 1,000 lost their lives. commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to The Rector explained: “Things were so the Missing at Pier and Face 15 A. difficult in terms of the trauma they In 2014 Myra Curtis, William’s great niece experienced, because of the political who lives in County Fermanagh, visited situation they couldn’t talk about what they the Tower of London and saw the striking had experienced and it was difficult for them display of ceramic poppies there, each to find employment.” poppy representing the death of a British She went on to observe: “I think it’s serviceman in the Great War. Myra was very wonderful to hear their story 100 years on struck by the fact that one of the hand-made because their stories weren’t told when they poppies represented her great uncle and was came back from war because of the political determined to obtain one of them to bring situation (in Ireland) and because of what back to County Cavan. they experienced.” When Myra applied for one, she was originally Ms Curtis said most of her family had told that all the poppies had all already been w Left, Myra Curtis at The Tower of London in forgotten that one of their relatives had allocated but she tried again, explaining that 2014 and above, the plaque at Arvagh Church of died at the Somme, but is pleased that his she wanted one for her great uncle William Ireland sacrifice will now be remembered. ULSTER-SCOT JUVENILE PIPE BAND: one-to-one with Adam Brimage In future issues of the paper, Victoria Catterson will profile a member of the Ulster-Scot Juvenile Pipe Band. This issue we focus on Adam Brimage
dam Brimage has made new performing with the Ulster-Scots Juvenile friends and really enjoys Pipe Band? - I’m going to see the world with being part of the pipe band them! But I also love all the local events like the 21 Gun Salute for the Queen’s Birthday. Afamily. He has grown in How often do you practice? - Monday, confidence in playing with the time and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday dedication given by the tutors. Is there anything you aspire to achieve in piping such as winning the Worlds, playing He would never have been involved or in grade one or winning solo competitions? interested in piping as he was in a flute band - I want to be a piping teacher and pass on with his dad only the opportunity arose in what I have been taught to future generations school. Needless to say he has forsaken his Are there any pipers in particular that you flute for the pipes! enjoy listening to/aspire to play like? - Adam’s mother Sharon says: “The Music for Alan Ferguson, my pipe major at Matt Boyd Schools project is fantastic and opens up a Memorial whole new world to children. It’s well worth the What advice would you give to someone tuition fees which are affordable especially for who would like to start piping? - You’ll never families with more than one child. As it takes regret learning to pipe but it takes a lot of time place during the school day there is little or no and commitment and practice. inconvenience to parents.” Age: 11 To follow the young pipers and drummers visit School: Cookstown High School How long have you been piping? - Four What attracted you to piping and/or www.facebook.com/ Current band: Matt Boyd Memorial years pipe bands? - An opportunity to learn a new ulsterscotsjuvenilepipeband Hobbies outside of piping: Singing with school How/Where did you learn to pipe? - Orritor instrument. To find out more about the teaching choir PS with Music for Schools What do you enjoy most about piping and programme visit www.mspd.co.uk www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 13 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 Thousands gather to remember the fallen Focus on Sir Edward Carson as wo thousand people Festival of Remembrance Bright Lights gathered at the dancers lit up the occasion at the Belfast Waterfront Waterfront Hall in Belfast. TOP: In Flanders Fields First Lord of the Admiralty THall on Saturday MIDDLE: Sailor’s Hornpipe November 12 to honour fallen BOTTOM: The Somme Remembered heroes at the 2016 Festival of This special article looks at the legacy left by Sir Edward Carson during his time as First Remembrance. Lord of the Admiralty under Lloyd George during the Great War The crowds took part in an evening of song, reflection and remembrance hosted by the Royal British Legion, commemorating all ore than any single person system on the Scandinavian coal and trade those who sacrificed their lives in defence of (in the words of the historian routes to see if this was the answer. In mid- freedom through history. Robert Blake), Sir Edward April 1917 they introduced a new convoy route The annual tradition, which included a MCarson was responsible to Gibraltar. On April 30 1917 Lloyd George – according to his memoirs which appeared moving mixture of concert, spectacle and for the fall of Asquith’s administration in 1934 – descended on the Admiralty service, paid special tribute to the men and and the formation of the Lloyd George women who fought in 1916, off Denmark’ building where he allegedly demanded - and coalition government in December 1916. s Jutland peninsula and at the Battle of the won - changes. Lloyd George also claimed Somme. that Jellicoe had always opposed the convoy The Ulster-Scots Agency was in attendance Lloyd George told Frances Stevenson, his system. at the event promoting Paul Pollock’s War mistress, personal secretary and confidante Asked about this day after the publication publication and the Castleton Lanterns (who became his second wife in October of Lloyd George’s memoirs, Carson did not exhibition, both World War One-related 1943), that he had no particular desire for mince his words in responding: “It is the projects which hold a key significance in the premiership and that he would have been biggest lie ever was told!” this important commemoration year. happy to allow Asquith to run his show (ie The idea that Lloyd George, after a hard George Black, chairman of the RBL in the Cabinet) but he did want control of the struggle, sat in the First Lord’s chair and Northern Ireland, said: “In the year that war effort. imposed convoys on a hostile board of the marked the centenaries of the Battle of Lloyd George wished to achieve this through Admiralty is a myth of his own creation. Jutland and the Battle of the Somme, this the creation of a small war committee, a The entry of the US into the war completely was a very fitting and beautiful evening of structure which Carson had also advocated, transformed the situation. The US was able reflection, to remember those who gave so for the more efficient management of the to supply the necessary escort vessels. The much - and on many occasions their lives - nation’s manpower and material resources. system was rapidly organised with such for their country. Asquith resigned as Prime Minister in early efficiency that, though the losses in shipping “Every year we work incredibly hard to December 1916. Although he may have remained heavy until the autumn of 1917, the make this event special. The Festival of regarded the move as essentially tactical, it impact of the U-boat campaign was greatly Remembrance is a way of remembering proved permanent and Lloyd George became diminished. those who fought for their country, as well Prime Minister in his place – as Carson The close working relationship between as a time to commemorate and give thanks wished. Carson and Jellicoe is a subject for another for their service. It offers us a time when Lloyd George offered Carson the position of shaped by taking Lloyd George’s extremely occasion. we, can stop, reflect and remember those Lord Chancellor, the greatest prize available self-serving post-war memoirs at face value Lloyd George once said of Winston Churchill: brave men and women who sacrificed so to a member of the legal profession, but and Sir Edward Geddes’ equally egotistical “He would make a drum of out of the skin much for us.” Carson declined and indicated his desire to self-evaluation of his achievements as of his own mother in order to sound his own become a member the war committee (which Carson’s successor? praises”. was to become the War Cabinet) without It is highly significant that Winston Churchill, The same might be said of Lloyd George portfolio. in his history of the First World War – ‘The with even greater force. In his memoirs Lloyd Lloyd George originally intended appointing World Crisis’ - gave Carson full credit for George seemed to feel the need to denigrate Lord Milner, a Liberal Imperialist with the measures he took as First Lord of the the efforts of others in order to enhance radical views which corresponded closely Admiralty. his own reputation. In many respects, to Lloyd George’s own on domestic politics, As new First Lord of the Admiralty, Carson to her knees and starve the country out of it was wholly unnecessary because his to the role of First Lord of the Admiralty very quickly forged an excellent working the war. Although unrestricted submarine achievements did not require embellishment and appointing Carson to the War Cabinet. relationship with Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, warfare carried with it a high risk of provoking at the expense of others. But for whatever reason (and he claimed the new First Sea Lord. Both men formed United States entry into the war, the Germans His treatment of Douglas Haig – who was he was pressured into the switch by a high opinion of each other. Of Jellicoe, contended that meaningful US intervention in dead by the time Lloyd George’s memoirs the Conservative Party), Lloyd George Carson recalled: “He was in my opinion the conflict would come too late. Unrestricted appeared – conforms to this well-establish changed his mind and appointed Carson the best man at his job that I met with in submarine warfare began on February 1 pattern. Carson had few illusions about Lloyd to the Admiralty and Milner to the War the whole war for knowledge, calmness, 1917. It was not an unreasonable calculation George at any stage in his political career. Cabinet. Thus Carson held one of the most straightness and the confidence he inspired on the part of the Germans. Comparing Asquith and Lloyd George in demanding of wartime offices at a critical in his officers.” With the benefit of hindsight we now know September 1916, Carson saw Lloyd George juncture of the war. Jellicoe, in his memoir entitled ‘The Crisis that the answer to U-boat peril was the as ‘a plain man of the people’ who ‘shows his In his entry on Carson in the Oxford of the Naval War’ wrote of Carson: “His introduction of the convoy system. However, hand and although you mayn’t trust him, his Dictionary of National Biography, D George devotion to the naval service was obvious to at the time there was genuine concern that crookednesses are all plain to see’. Boyce observes Carson proved a surprisingly all, and in him the Navy possessed indeed a a convoy presented a larger and easier Asquith, on the other hand, was ‘clever and ineffective minister. Carson’s real power lay, true and powerful friend.” target to U-boats, and was more difficult to polished’ and ‘knew how to conceal his as it did in his legal career, in his strength Their period in office coincided with defend, raising the prospect of increasing crookedness’. of critical attack and in doing so Boyce is mounting U-boat attacks on allied shipping. rather reducing the submarine threat. In September 1917 Carson appreciated simply reiterating the conventional wisdom In last four months of 1916 U-boats had It was also felt that the difficulty of Lloyd George’s ‘considerable driving powers’ on the subject. doubled the average monthly losses in coordinating a rendezvous would maximise but also realised – as many did not – that Keith Grieves in his book ‘Sir Edward Geddes: allied and neutral merchant shipping from the vulnerability of merchant ships when he had no knowledge of strategy or military Business and Government in War and Peace’, 75,000 tons to 158,000 tons. During 1916 they were in the process of assembling. operations but was sufficiently deluded to writes that “He (Geddes) was unimpressed the number of U-boats in service rose from There were reservations too about whether imagine he had. by Sir Edward Carson’s somnolent political 58 to 140. In early 1917 the situation the skippers of merchant vessels could A year later Carson was willing to leadership as First Lord of the Admiralty and became even more grim because in January manoeuvre in company, not least because acknowledge that Lloyd George’s courage, felt that an unwillingness to alter existing, that year the German High Command different ships would have various energy and foresight had contributed to largely pre-war procedures had resulted in an decided to resume unrestricted submarine top speeds. And finally, could they be the winning of the war but he had the wit extreme form of naval defensiveness, which warfare. realistically expected to keep station. to know – as he told Mrs Dugdale (A.J. the scale of merchant loss symbolised.” By sinking enough merchant shipping, the Nevertheless, in January and February 1917 Balfours biographer and niece) – that Lloyd Are these assessments accurate? Are they not Germans hoped to bring the United Kingdom Carson and Jellicoe introduced the convoy George was ‘a mass of corruption’. 14 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 75th anniversary of the arrival of the GIs in Northern Ireland
January 26 this year marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of 4,000 US infantrymen in Belfast. Sir Archibald Sinclair, Secretary of State for Air, told them: ‘Your safe arrival here marks a new stage in the World War. It is a gloomy portent for Mr Hitler, nor will its significance be lost on General Tojo.’
n December 7 1941 - ‘a date Division in Armagh; 2nd Infantry Division in which will live in infamy’ Narrow Water Castle, Armagh and Newry; 5th according to Franklin Delano Infantry Division in Newcastle; Airborne Troops Roosevelt - the Japanese in Castledawson and Cookstown; 8th Infantry Division and HQ in Omagh; and 121st Division Oattacked the US naval base in Fintona. at Pearl Harbor without warning or a The presence of the US forces attracted a prior declaration of war. number of significant visitors to Ulster. The Supreme Allied Commander and future With Germany and Italy’s declaration of war President of the United States, Dwight D on America four days later, the United States Eisenhower, called on troops in a number of quickly found itself at war on two fronts - places in the run up to D-Day in 1944. He in Europe and the Pacific. At the Arcadia was joined in Ulster by a number of his senior Conference, held in Washington between subordinates, such as Omar Bradley and December 22 1941 and January 14 1942, George Patton, who were both to play a crucial Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt role in the liberation of Europe. Both Patton reaffirmed their commitment to give the defeat and Bradley visited US troops training in the of Germany priority over that of Japan. Mournes. Patton also inspected the US 2nd And less than a fortnight later, on January 26 Division in front of the County Museum on the 1942, the first American troops set foot in Mall in Armagh. Ulster. The highest-ranking US Army officer of all also The first man officially ashore was Private visited Ulster during the war - Chief of Staff, First Class Milburn H Henke of Company B, General George C Marshall. There were also 133rd Infantry. Henke, as his name suggests, visits by Averall Harriman and Harry Hopkins, was an American of German heritage, from two of President Roosevelt’s closest advisers. Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was welcomed In November 1942 Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt, by the Duke of Abercorn, the Governor of wife of the President, paid a visit to the US Northern Ireland; John M. Andrews, the Prime forces stationed in Londonderry. The First Minister of Northern Ireland; and Sir Archibald Lady, along with the mother of General Sinclair, the Secretary of State for Air. Montgomery, attended the Civic Armistice The GIs came ashore at Dufferin Dock to the Service in the city on November 11. strains of ‘The Stars and Stripes’, played by Various American stars visited Ulster to the band of the Royal Ulster Rifles. The event “American bases were entertain the troops. Bob Hope and Glenn was carefully recorded for posterity by William dotted all over the Miller both played at Langford Lodge; Irving Conor in his role as an official war artist. Berlin arrived with his all soldier musical ‘This Ulster was to act as the bridgehead and country. With 120,000 Is the Army’ on January 11 1944 for a ten-day springboard for the great American and allied run at the Grand Opera House; Al Jolson and assault on occupied Europe, Hitler’s Festung GIs to service it was Merle Oberon appeared in Londonderry and Europa, on D-Day, June 6 1944. And it was James Cagney appeared at the Hippodrome in here that the American troops soldiers trained, little wonder that every Belfast in the spring of 1944. paraded and relaxed as they prepared for the Ulster town had its The GIs introduced various innovations to liberation of Europe. By the end of 1943 there Ulster, not least bubble gum, candy, baseball were 100,000 US troops in Ulster. quota of American and swing music. Baseball was played in There had been an unofficial American Windsor Park in aid of soldiers’, sailors’ and presence in Ulster for almost a year, as forces. This figure airmen’s families. Swing music proved very the United States edged closer to war. popular even if baseball made less impact. Preparations were well under way for represented Although American servicemen in Ulster were the establishment of a US naval base at greatly discouraged from contracting wartime Londonderry, which was already playing a key approximately 10 per marriages, some local girls did marry US role in the Battle of the Atlantic. When the cent of the total local service personnel and became known as GI troops started arriving in early 1942, Ulster brides. was ready to receive them. population.” But it was pointed out that no marriage In June 1941 work started on American bases, allowance was paid below the ranks of staff, with 362 American technicians arriving in technical or master sergeants. Wives would Londonderry. By October, the number had not be permitted to accompany husbands risen to nearly 1,000. In Londonderry the In Fermanagh, where the 8th Infantry were HQ); Nos. 18-20 Mount Charles, Belfast (US returning to America on troop transports. headquarters were Talbot House and in stationed, US forces comprised almost 20 Army Transportation Corp HQ); Brownlow Wives would also have to secure entry to the addition to the harbour installations there per cent of the sparsely populated county’s House, Lurgan (V Army Corp); Bright Cottage, US and reside there for three years before were camps at Holcomb, Lisahally, Beech Hill, population. All branches of the American Portstewart (168th Anti-Tank Co HQ); and becoming US citizens. In the event of a Springtown, Clooney Park and Rossdowney. services were represented - the Air Force at White Hall Chambers, Coleraine (168th soldier’s death or disablement, his wife would There was a hospital at Creevagh and a Greencastle and Langford Lodge, the Navy Infantry HQ). not be entitled to any pension or gratuity. magazine at Fincairn Glen. in Londonderry and Belfast and the Army’s Empty hotels and guest houses provided Yet despite all this discouragement,there were American bases were dotted all over the presence was ubiquitous. excellent quarters for the large number some 1,800 marriages between American country. With 120,000 GIs to service it was A wide range of properties were requisitioned of troops requiring accommodation. For servicemen and local girls. little wonder that every Ulster town had for American headquarters. These ranged example, K Company of the 168th Infantry For example, Miss Daphne Ethel Johnston of its quota of American forces. This figure from castles to terraced houses and included: took over Coolsyth House in Portrush. Belfast married Lieutenant George F. Witman represented approximately 10 per cent of the Knock-na-moe Castle, Omagh (34th DIV HQ); Other Camps included: V Army Corps in of the USAAF from Grand Rapids, Michigan, in total local population. Wilmount House, Dunmurry (NI Base Service Brownlow House, Lurgan; HQ 2nd Infantry All Saints Church, Belfast on August 31 1944. www.ulsterscotsagency.com www.ulsterscotsagency.com 15 SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 RECIPES Cooking with Judith MCLaughLin Burns Night slow cooked Collops of Beef This month marks the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns and to celebrate INGREDIENTS here is a delicious recipe for Slow Cooked Collops of Beef. ‘Collop’ is an Ulster-Scots word which means ‘large, rough piece or torn off’. I hope you enjoy (serves four) this fantastic recipe!
• 2 Lbs braising steak such as chuck (cut in to 8 pieces) HOW TO MAKE IT: • 1 tsp coarsely ground black 1. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. pepper 2. Preheat cast iron skillet to medium high heat with a little oil and butter • ½ tsp kosher salt combined. • 2 Tbsp canola oil 3. Add the beef to skillet and braise the pieces in small batches for 2-3 • 1 Tbsp butter minutes on each side to brown. Remove the steak and place in to a • 1 onion (diced) Dutch style oven or casserole dish. • 1 tsp freshly chopped thyme 4. Cook the onions in the skillet to soften and then add to the Dutch • 1 bay leaf style oven. 5. Combine the stock, flour, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and then • 2 Tbsp flour (blended with a pour over the meat. Add the freshly chopped thyme and bay leaf. little cold water) 6. Cover and cook for 2 ½ hours until the meat is tender and falling • 1 pint (2 cups) beef stock apart. • 1tsp Worcestershire sauce 7. Remove the bay leaf prior to serving. • 1tsp coarse whole grain 8. Serve with creamed mashed potatoes and turnip and carrot mash mustard (Neeps and Tatties). Enjoy the Burns celebrations!
Changes by Frank Ferguson
A new month and a new year has come That woman’s prone to fa’. but speak it, door around and we might think about what For you used to be cleanly, baith bonny and Should labour or starve on a far foreign changes have occurred to us since the One wonders if he was a friend of poor Tam sleeket; shore; passing of 2016. who has passed away, or a nosy neighbour But now, if you saw yoursel’, back, sleeves, A wab in a steamloom should never appear, A brief examination of Ulster-Scots writing casting wicked aspersions. At other times, and collar, Our country to steep in affliction and fear; informs us that dealing with change does he works in a less acerbic manner. After For the rub o’ a brush you’d gie mair than a Peace, pleasure, and plenty, and happy not appear to be a phenomenon that is witnessing the charitable donation of a well dollar (‘To An Old Black Coat’). hearts roun’ handled easily or well. To some humour proportioned reverend’s coat to the local And times wad revive in my ain native toun. provides the buffer against the loss of poor, the act received a less than brotherly For David Herbison, industrial change was a loved ones. William Bleakley, the Bard of response. dreadful thing, which he felt had brought no As we face a new year with all its challeng- Ballinaskeagh, wrote a series of moral and improvement to his home town of Ballyme- es, we too might long for this superpower, religious poems in the 1840s, but despite CHANGES are lightsome, there’s some na. In his epic, heart rending My Ain Native and might want to look back to times which his propensity to a certain to level platitude people say, Toun he longs for the ability to restore the we suppose were better and fairer. However, in his verse, couldn’t help introducing a But I saw a proof o’ that case ither day; past: we might take some hope in how James Orr lighter tone every now and then. His To a ’Twas a change frae the back and the pulpit approached the shift in times and seasons, Widow is as strange a poem of comfort on Sunday, Oh had I the power the past to restore, with a strong sense of hope and fortitude: as you might come across. Rather than To carry a bag upon mair days than Monday. The reel wad still crack, and the spin- seeking to offer solace to the bereaved, he ’Twas a change frae the hearing o’ Gospel ning-wheel snore, Should ills ensue, may friendship’s tie provides a strident rebuke about the alleged salvation, Mill-yarn wad sink doun as it never had Be made more close by fortune’s frown; weaknesses of women: Frae the Rev. fat frame to the back o’ been, And sorrow-sharing sympathy starvation; Trade flourish as fair as it ever was seen; Make all the woes of man its own! Now, mistress, think nae ill o’ me, ’Twas a change frae the covering o’ prayers Distress and oppression flee far frae our May justice hear the widow’s moan, ’Tis but a hint to let you see and petitions, view, Redress her wrongs, and prove her stay; That you are blamed for makin’ free To beg at the porch—oh what, wofu’ grada- Our hamlets rejoice and their beauties And goodness guide the orphan, thrown Wi’ sparks o’ virtues law, tions. renew; On the wide world, in wisdom’s way! (Ode Which designates most certainly, And I’m sure you’re ashamed, if you could The profligate band that brought want to our for the New Year). Words Fae Hearth An’ Hame The Andrew Gibson Memorial Lecture
A new booklet is now On Wednesday January 25 Dr For more available featuring six Carol Baraniuk will recount how writers local to the Andrew Gibson (1841 – 1931), coverage on Burns Ards and North Down a Governor of the Linen Hall area. Library for many years, came to Week and details Words Fae Hearth An’ have an unrivalled collection of Hame is free and avail- Robert Burns’ material. able from the Discover He sold this collection to the on upcoming Ulster-Scots Centre in Library in the early 1900s where Belfast, North Down it has become part of what is events, turn to Museum in Bangor and the most comprehensive archive in libraries across the of Burns’ material outside of Page 3 Ards and North Down Scotland. Borough. The lecture starts at 1.00pm and is free to attend. 16 www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY JANUARY 14 2017 ROBBIE BURNS WORD SEARCH ROBERT BURNS Find the following famous words by Robbie Burns within the word search below: A few facts... HGC I L F K T H B E J F C F RM F O Z U I T K I E D L S H
O Z SLU K TNA C W F E H N
X I R H E S Y N E K N Z R E E
Y Y V E U X L J J E S W I AZ
GFL T B X V L V R N R R M H
• He was born on January 25, 1759 in L S B E A S T I E I F F B P F the ‘auld cley biggin’, now known as Burns Cottage in Alloway, near Ayr T A O D C S U E N N S EARB • Robert was a Scottish poet and was also known as ‘Robbie’ O W N U U O G A E G R I B L H • He was also sometimes known as the ‘ploughman poet’, as the eldest son of a farmer PHA G X I WO B H T L D Z D
• Robbie had three brothers - William, John and Gilbert and FML P E S Q IEL OHTDA three sisters - Agnes, Annabella and Isobel V B R A T T LEI I A Q L W Q • His first book of poems was published in 1788
• His birthday, on January 25, is celebrated all over the world as R M D Y Z P B L V N G U W C Y Burns Night A O M V M C D I B D A T K C O • On Burns Night a traditional supper of haggis, neeps and tatties is served and guests are entertained with Burns poems G X B Q J S H F D F S H C X Z and songs
• Robbie Burns died on July 21, 1796 at the young age of 37 AULD BRATTLE LANG TWA from a heart condition he had suffered from since childhood BEASTIE FRAE SLEEKIT WEE • Some of Robbie Burns’ most famous songs include Auld Lang BICKERING FRIEN SYNE Syne (the song people sing on New Year’s), Ye Banks and BRAES GIE THOLE Braes of Bonnie Doon and My Love’s Like a Red, Red Rose.
COMPETITION COMPETITION Win a copy of Robert Burns and All That by WINNERS Allan Burnett and Scoular Anderson
Robert Burns and All That is a real-life We have five copies of this fantastic Burns Stena Line Competition adventure packed with historical facts about Books to give away, to enter simply email Prize winner: Scotland’s national bard. your answer to competition@ulsterscot- Congratulations to Amber Martin from Meet the lassies who stole Burns’ heart sagency.org.uk with ‘Robert Burns Book’ in Craigavon who won the Stena Line and the creatures that inspired his poetry. the subject line, providing also your name, family pass to the Santa at Sea Cruise Join his quest to rescue a lost musical address and telephone number. in December. We hope you had a great treasure and get chased by ghouls as he day out! explores the dark side of life. Understand WHAT FAMOUS ROBBIE BURNS the meaning of To A Mouse, A Man’s a QSONG IS SUNG ON NEW Man For A’ That and Burns’ other classics, YEAR’S? Burns Concert Competition investigate whey Burns supported the Postal entries are also accept- Prize winner: French Revolution, Discover the origins of ed – simply post your answer Congratulations to Margaret Davidson Burns Night and find out what’s really in a and contact details to: The from Larne who won a pair of tickets for haggis. Bursting with hilarious illustrations, Ulster-Scot the Ulster Orchestra Burns Night Concert Robert Burns and All That is a book that Competition, The Corn on Saturday January 21 2017 at the simply must be read for the sake of auld Exchange Building, 31 Gordon Waterfront Hall in Belfast. We hope you lang syne! Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG. CLOSING DATE: Friday February 17 enjoy the Burns Concert!